The Flemming Residence

Although the glorious days of the Flemming family’s magnificent Baroque residence are now behind it, the restoration work on this extraordinary palace complex—built in the early 18th century using half-timbered construction—is a source of hope. It is worth stopping, even for a moment, in this small town located on the route from Kamień Pomorski to Trzebiatów to admire the remains of one of the most impressive half-timbered buildings in all of Western Pomerania. It is the first residence in this region of the French “entre cour et Cardin” type (between the courtyard and the garden). Four identical buildings were erected around a four-sided courtyard, behind which lay a geometrically laid-out park. The entire complex was surrounded by a palisade and gates, one of which is flanked by distinctive wooden turrets that once served as dovecotes. The architect behind this extraordinary work was Andrzej Haase of Stargard. The design was most likely created in an architectural studio in Dresden. It could be admired at the palace until World War II, during which, unfortunately, it burned down. The structure was originally intended to be a hunting lodge for Count Bogusław Bodo von Flemming, a cavalry general under King Augustus the Strong. It is not only the exterior architecture of the building complex that inspires awe, but also the interior, which, although quite heavily damaged, has been preserved in its original form. In the reception hall of one of the buildings, a series of paintings has been placed around the mezzanine intended for the orchestra; they depict figures in ball gowns, holding musical instruments, watching the events on the dance floor. Italian actors from the commedia dell’arte can also be seen there. This is a composition unique in Pomerania, drawing on Italian art and the French garden-and-palace layout. Currently, the manor is privately owned and is undergoing restoration. It is worth noting that not only was the manor complex in Świerzno built using half-timbered construction, but so was the village church, located about 100 meters away in the center of the village. The church was built in the late 17th century and was generously endowed by the Flemming family. Documents mention silver chalices engraved with the family coats of arms, an 18th-century hourglass, a pouch with a bell for collecting donations, as well as wooden candlesticks and a wooden baptismal font. The church’s structure itself is interesting, as it was built in several stages. During subsequent renovations, the main wall was extended, and the tower was enclosed at the same time.